A European policy maker is impressed by Ballyhaunis and the drive to improve the west of Ireland economoy.
Director General for Regional Policy in the European Community Pierre Mathijsen is in Ballyhaunis to speak at a conference. The visit is planned to coincide with the Ballyhaunis Trade Fair and Agricultural Exhibition organised by the town's chamber of commerce.
Pierre Mathijsen is impressed by Ballyhaunis and the dynamism of Mayo people. While it might be on the periphery geographically, he wants to assure people that,
The west is definitely on the European map.
Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce expressed delight at the success of the conference and exhibition. John Dillon Leech confirms that the area will be designated as,
A region for infrastructural development.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 May 1985. The reporter is Padraic Ó Catháin.
